A Babysitting Co-op program in Cochrane is making it easier for parents to take time for themselves.

The idea behind the program is each member swaps time taking care of each other’s children.

Krissy Jacobson-Smith, a Babysitting Co-op member, says it allows parents to do the things they need to do without spending a fortune on childcare costs and helping out other familes at the same time.

“It really makes the opportunity to go out on a date night, or get your hair done, or go read a book in a coffee shop, and not have to take money out of the household income. It’s just something you can earn by caring and providing other people with the opportunity for some nurturing time as well.”

She says the hours are kept track of by a token system.

“For every hour of childcare it’s a token, then every other child added to that is a half token. To earn tokens I take kids into my home.”

To become a member of the Co-op you have to be voted in, undergo a house check, and a criminal record check.

“It’s not just a matter of everybody and their dog can join there’s a lot of security put in place for the best interest of the kids. “

Jacobson-Smith says it’s a great way for women to feel supported in their community.

“Mom’s need time to invest in themselves and it’s really hard if you have 3 and 4 kids. It’s often $15 per hour for a babysitter so for you to justify taking that time for yourself is a real challenge.”

The program can work for just about anyone. Working or stay-at-home moms, as well as, dads can become members too.

For more information about the Babysitting Co-op go here.